Maskmaking: Introduction; Maskmaking: Workshop

Artist and instructor Carole Sivin is the host for this pair of interesting "how-to's" on maskmaking. Maskmaking.. Introduction offers an overview of maskmaking, showing colorful examples of masks from many different cultures (Mexican, Chinese, Korean, etc.), as well as the variety of materials used in creating masks. Sivin shows viewers how to make masks using paper, and demonstrates several other techniques for other types of masks (including aluminum pie tin masks, paper plate masks, balloon masks, paper bag masks, headband masks, and clay masks). The first program closes with beautiful examples of masks from a workshop with young children. Maskmaking. Workshop takes the basic ideas presented in the first tape and adds on, providing step-by-step instruction for making a mask using paper strips applied to the face, one using plaster gauze, and how to make various masks (plaster, paper, clay) from a previously created mold. In addition, Sivin talks about the many options viewers have for decorating their finished masks. Though produced with a student audience in mind (elementary for the first program, secondary for the second), both Maskmaking: Introduction and Maskmaking: Workshop are suitable for public library collections and may well encourage young people to explore this exciting and rewarding craft. Highly recommended. (Available from: Crystal Productions, P.O. Box 2159, Glenview, IL 60025; 1-800-255-8629.)